Group wants Latino law enforcement advisory board

“Their role would be simply to share with the Sheriff’s Department the perspective of what it’s like to be Latino in Vista,” Torres said.

Ritter said there may have been problems seven years ago, when the shootings occurred, but in recent years there have been few complaints about deputies.

Rodi said deputies in Vista respond to an average of about 60,000 calls a year. Last year, there were three complaints alleging excessive use of force and two complaints alleging false, out of more than 5,000 arrests, he said.

“Out of that number of contacts, we do pretty well, in our minds, of doing the right thing,” Rodi said.

Aguilera also said he did not see the need for a Latino citizen’s advisory board. He said he often speaks to Latino residents and business owners but has not heard complaints about law enforcement to warrant an advisory board or a use of force study.

“I coach Little League. I feel like I’m in touch with individuals in our community,” Aguilera said. “I’m involved with Comerciantes Latinos Asociados (a Latino merchants group). I deal with Hispanic business owners and I’ve heard only good things about the Sheriff’s Department.”